Reacting to the Massive Info Release on MyGM and MyLEAGUE in NBA 2K18

Yesterday, we got a TON of new information on MyGM and MyLEAGUE in NBA 2K18.

Be sure to read yesterday’s info release on the new look MyGM and MyLEAGUE at this link as a primer before reading our reactions!

Ok, now that you are caught up, catch up with us and read our impressions of what’s coming this year to MyGM and MyLEAGUE!

Robert Kollars

As with anything new in the world of sports video game genre, we have to see how it’s implemented, but color me impressed.

There seem to be many new additions and improvements, and although we have seen nothing in action, the bucket seems full of new things. For me, NBA 2K has grown a little stale over the last few years, but these new additions could really pump some new life into it for me.

“One thing that can’t be denied is the creativity level that 2K puts in the hands of the user…”

I’m especially interested to see how the narrative aspect will work in MyGM. If it’s fully fleshed out, it could be an absolute game changer. They claim that the experience is completely up to the user, and my curiosity lies within that aspect — and how wide of a spectrum the user input will actually affect the outcome(s).

One thing that can’t be denied is the creativity level that 2K puts in the hands of the user, and it sounds like that ability will have a broader and deeper brush, and be more streamlined. If this plays out correctly, it’s just another feather in the cap of the development team.

Ultimately it feels like maybe some of the pressure of having competition again helped push the envelope, and if that’s the case, we obviously all win.

Joel Smith

After reading the released information on MyGM/MyLEAGUE, it’s clearly evident that NBA 2K18 is looking to continue the trend of giving us as near to real life of a sim basketball experience as possible; more importantly, the team over at 2K is taking their desire of innovation and melding it with their community to deliver features. A perfect example of this is Erick Boenisch’s mentioning of alternate uniforms for created teams in MyLEAGUE.

Following in line and updating changes mirroring the real NBA, the GM experience this year will be true to form. MyGM’s story narrative is an interesting twist that has been added. My only worry will be that there might be too much of a linear approach based on the choices you can make; I think that in order for this “new” mode to really be a hit, the choices and branches for your choices and interactions will really need to FEEL like it won’t be the same next go round. The additions to MyLEAGUE online and additions to the customization suite are again show us that the 2K dev team isn’t trying to rest on their laurels and get complacent with their product.

“The Analytics Tool that is being given to us gives us the potential to really plot out how we want to build our team from our starters right down to depth and specialty players.”

The biggest piece of news that really sticks with me is the Analytics Tool. When I play GM/MyLeague I really like to get into the nitty gritty and figure out how I can keep my team contending for years to come through not only current or on-the-brink stars, but through youth. The Analytics Tool that is being given to us gives us the potential to really plot out how we want to build our team from our starters right down to depth and specialty players. This is an exciting addition that could really help take the sim experience to the next level, using one of the same types of ways that real NBA teams look at players.

All in all, NBA 2K18‘s in-depth sim modes look to again set the bar and precedent higher for not only the basketball genre, but all sports genres to really take notice of and look to follow for their franchise mode(s). Maybe the revival of the competition has put 2K on a path to be the only basketball game we look towards…for good.

Mike Lowe

Very impressed, which is to be expected from the team that sets the bar for franchise gaming on console.

The new MyGM looks very cool, and the changes to implement the new CBA and other unique roster situations shows 2K’s commitment to detail when it comes to franchise mode. This is what folks are talking about as one of the arms of immersion — by having such a realistic experience, you’re being put into a very realistic role play. I’d have liked to see more about news and media coverage, which is another huge part of immersion.

“I wish we heard more about roster/staff management from the AI…”

I’d have liked to have seen details about a plan to bring more modern gamers into MyLeague. I love the detailed additions, but it might just be a case of more stuff that confuses folks; but as a franchise guy, keep it coming, but with an emphasis on how to bring more folks into the mode that used to rule sports gaming.

The new analytics tool looks great, but I wish we heard more about roster/staff management from the AI, a more fleshed out online franchise mode, and my biggest wish of all: carryover saves.

What did you think of the info releases now that you’ve had some time to digest them?

I'm glad Visual Concepts continues to improve on the franchise modes. While the online and card collecting modes are very popular, my enjoyment of any sports title is tied to the franchise mode and NBA2K rarely disappoints. Looking forward to taking it out for a spin in September.
A couple of notes:
1. I like the G-League addition, but wish there was a way to play the games. That would give you more time controlling your young talent in a game situation to see if they would fit in with your team.
2. The All Star weekend changes are a nice touch. Glad to see them implement that.
3. I agree with Mike Lowe in wishing they would've touched more on the roster AI. That's one of the weakest parts of NBA2K for me. All GMs appear to build their roster based on the same set of rules. There doesn't appear to be some who are worse than the others, some who hold onto assets more, or GMs who try to build rosters that play to their coaching staff's strengths and preferences. That kind of addition could add a bigger challenge to the mode.

Agree with the person above - adding the G-League but not adding the ability to play the games is a massive waste and the one major thing I wanted really.*
Loved the year you could do that*

I'll go ahead and disagree completely. Imo, the biggest importance of the G League is authenticity and the roster spots. Being able to play the games is far down the list.
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Agree with the person above - adding the G-League but not adding the ability to play the games is a massive waste and the one major thing I wanted really.*
Loved the year you could do that*

I am hopeful that this will mean the Free agent pool will be full of GLeague players. It may be wishful thinking but to make the simulation aspect work you would need more players. I just hope they get players scanned and we don't just get Generic faces.
It sucks we can't play the GLeague but I would take the addition of the players as huge news. Guess we will have to wait and see.

I am hopeful that this will mean the Free agent pool will be full of GLeague players. It may be wishful thinking but to make the simulation aspect work you would need more players. I just hope they get players scanned and we don't just get Generic faces.
It sucks we can't play the GLeague but I would take the addition of the players as huge news. Guess we will have to wait and see.

This is one reason why I don't mind not being able to play the G league games if it's not actual players and created players similar to how it was back in the early 2k games it's not as fun. But sending them 2nd rd picks to the G League instead of free agency to retire early is a HUGE step in the right direction.

As a strictly offline gamer it sounds amazing. I don't think I'll ever be into online gaming. I got my own way of doing and running things in a League that would just make other people mess everything up.

As much as I recognize the effort put into adding things we've asked for, if I do get the game this year*, according to this I'll still have to put significant time into 30 team control to cover for the gaps in the mode.
Last year I spent more time over multiple seasons doing the following rather than playing my 12 minute quarter games:

With that last item in red, for multiple year game saves, I would still need 30 team control to overcome CPU AI logic lack of development. The ones in blue may or may not be better, but if I had to guess, there will still be issues.
So my overall reaction to the announced changes is appreciation for what's been done but mixed feelings about whether it will be enough to make me feel like I'm not spending half my time making edits and changes to overcome parts of the game that are frankly bad.
It's also frustrating that CAP player models, body types and faces don't seem like they've gotten any overhaul, so it will be another year of near clones across the league once you get a few years into a franchise mode game save.* I'm going to wait until at least late October to see if I want to get the game. I need to see community reaction first. Pre-release game industry marketing at this point means nothing to me.

Really like the addition of were you can really practice your plays and g league is nice ,stashing euro players is great idea cause most 2nd rd picks r a waste so you can use it kinda like a minor league to see if they get better and when u want to bring them over
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It's also frustrating that CAP player models, body types and faces don't seem like they've gotten any overhaul, so it will be another year of near clones across the league once you get a few years into a franchise mode game save.

Have you see the new screenshots? The body types already look better and I assume they'll have more variety as well
Nitro Type PDX_SwAg

There is one huge question I have.
With the Xbox One X on the horizon, will their be an original version on that platform.
This will certainly factor into whether I pick up 2k18 on Xbox One.
Secondly, will we be able to download created players. This is a feature that we have sorely missed.

I am hopeful that this will mean the Free agent pool will be full of GLeague players. It may be wishful thinking but to make the simulation aspect work you would need more players. I just hope they get players scanned and we don't just get Generic faces.
It sucks we can't play the GLeague but I would take the addition of the players as huge news. Guess we will have to wait and see.

Real G-League players would be great but I'm not holding my breath. This seems like a baby step in the right direction (the ability to develop talent and locate hidden contributors) but maybe it's something that can be fleshed out year by year.

I agree about 2k setting the bar for other games and their franchise modes, especially MLB The Show. The Show is the game with most consistently neglected franchise mode year after year, and with baseball, it should be the exact opposite. Just look at what is going on in MLB this weekend with the trade deadline.
I've said it many times before, but MLB The Show is the hare in the race against the turtle...

lol @ fifa and madden who have literally not touched franchise mode in over 5 years, 5 ****ing years! Image if 2K did that...they would be crucified. Best franchise mode in sports gaming by far. Kind of disappointing they didn't mention anything about player progression though.

There is one huge question I have.
With the Xbox One X on the horizon, will their be an original version on that platform.
This will certainly factor into whether I pick up 2k18 on Xbox One.
Secondly, will we be able to download created players. This is a feature that we have sorely missed.

There will NOT be an Xbox One X version of any game (unless Microsoft does something crazy). I'm 99.9% sure the Xbox One X will mirror the PS4 Pro in having "Enhanced" versions of the game ready to be installed when playing on the Pro/X. And like with the PS4 Pro, the X1X enhancements will be very noticeable on most games.
For 2k18? Who knows what they will enhance. IIRC there's not much difference on the Pro with 2k17.

All the additions are great, but there was no mention of working on core game logic/algorithms, like: player progression, sim stats, cpu teams having accurate self-awareness. Additional features are meaningless unless the foundation is right.
Loved what i read about the draft generation logic intentions though. Hopefully they have executed in that department.